Need a repair? We come to you across Auckland, evenings until midnight. iPhone screens from $100 in 30 minutes. Up to 1 year warranty.
Get a quoteMost phone repair technicians are honest. But the industry is unregulated in New Zealand, and a few operators rely on customers not knowing what a fair repair looks like. Here are the scams and dodgy practices we hear about most often, and how to protect yourself.
1. The bait-and-switch quote
They quote you $80 on the phone. When you arrive (or they open the phone), suddenly the problem is "worse than expected" and the price jumps to $200+. A legitimate technician gives you a firm quote for the most likely scenario and tells you upfront about any conditions that could change the price.
2. Swapping your good parts for bad ones
You drop your phone off for a screen repair and get it back with a different (worse) battery, or your original camera module has been swapped for a cheaper one. This is why we recommend watching your repair happen in front of you. With a mobile repair service, the technician works right there at your table.
3. "You need a new motherboard"
This is the classic upsell. The phone has a cracked screen, but the shop tells you the motherboard is also damaged and needs replacing. Motherboard repairs are expensive and hard for customers to verify. In reality, a cracked screen rarely damages the motherboard unless the phone was severely crushed or water-damaged.
4. No warranty or a fake warranty
A shop says their repairs come with a warranty, but when something goes wrong, they blame you for causing new damage, or the shop has closed down. Always get the warranty terms in writing. A reputable technician backs their work with a clear, written warranty period.
5. Using the cheapest possible parts
There is a wide range of aftermarket screen quality. The cheapest screens have poor colour accuracy, weak touch sensitivity, and die within months. A good technician will tell you what grade of screen they are using and explain the difference. If they will not answer that question, walk away.
6. Holding your phone hostage
You drop off your phone for repair, then the shop says the part is on back order and it will be "a few more days." Days turn into weeks. Your phone is disassembled in their workshop and you have no leverage. Before handing over your phone, always ask how long the repair will take and what happens if the part is delayed.
How to protect yourself
- Get a written quote before any work starts. A verbal quote over the phone is not enough. Get the price, the work to be done, and the warranty in writing (even a text message counts).
- Watch the repair if possible. A technician who works in front of you has nothing to hide. Mobile repair services are ideal for this because the work happens at your place.
- Check Google reviews. Look for reviews that mention specific repairs, not just generic "great service" comments. Patterns of complaints about pricing or part quality are a red flag.
- Ask what parts they use. OEM (original manufacturer) parts cost more but match the phone's original quality. High-quality aftermarket parts are a good middle ground. If the technician cannot or will not tell you, that is a concern.
- Know the fair price range. A standard iPhone screen repair in Auckland typically costs between $100 and $285 depending on the model, and premium OLED screens on the newest models cost more. If someone quotes $50, the parts will be terrible. If someone quotes far above that range for a standard screen, ask exactly which part you are getting.
💡 NZ consumer law: Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, a repair service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, be fit for purpose, and be completed within a reasonable time. If a repair shop does a poor job, you have legal rights to a remedy. MBIE's Consumer Protection site, consumerprotection.govt.nz, has good information.
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Call 027 662 4537 Book a repairRelated reading: aftermarket vs OEM screens, is it worth repairing an old phone?, what to expect from a mobile repair and phone repair vs insurance. See what we charge - no surprises.